Today, Carol Ledford and I birded Ridgefield NWR north
of Vancouver, WA. While we had 50 species for the
day, without a doubt, the BEST birds of the day were
Virginia Rails and Soras, continually on display and
in the open, from 3-4:15 pm. Total individuals seen
were 12. SORAS: 1 adult, 3 juveniles (75% adult
size). RAILS: 4 adults, 2 juveniles (80-90% adult
size), and 2 chicks (little black balls of fluff).
These beauties were seen at the SW side of Rest Lake
at the turnout between Rest Lake and South Big Lake.

Activities observed:

- Sometimes we saw adults and juveniles of both
species in the open simultaneously.
- Sometimes several birds were seen coming into view,
running or flying, while others were leaving.
- Baby Rail chicks doing their begging display and
being fed by parents.
- Squabbling Rails chasing Soras and each other.
- All birds running for cover during flyovers of
Eagle, Heron, Bittern, and Egret, and then returning
to the open when all clear.
- Preening, leg- and wing-stretching, wading, flying,
swimming and feeding.

bill clemons
willclemons at yahoo.com
SW of Portland in Mtn Park








____________________________________________________
Sell on Yahoo! Auctions ? no fees. Bid on great items.
http://auctions.yahoo.com/